Are You Scamaphobic?

Ok you heard it here first. My new word of the day is Scamaphobic. Do you send news of every latest scam to everyone on your email list? I tend to get notified of so many of these scams. I read them, too, and then I usually check them out on snopes.com if they seem really scary.

Here is an example of one that I got today.
Have you heard of the 809 Area Code scam? This is from the FCC website in response to the 809 area code scam.

The Scam Works Something Like This

*

You get an e-mail, voicemail, or page telling you to call a phone number with an "809", "284", "876" (or some other three-digit) area code to collect a prize, find out about a sick relative, engage in sex talk, etc.
*

You assume you are making a domestic long distance call - as "809", "284", "876" (and other three-digit area codes involved in this scam) appear to be typical three-digit U.S. area codes.
*

When you dial the "809", "284", "876" (or other three-digit) area code plus the number, however, you're actually connected to a phone number outside the United States, often in Canada or the Caribbean, and charged international call rates. (In this case, "809" goes to the Dominican Republic, "284" goes to the British Virgin Islands, and "876" goes to Jamaica.)
*

You don't find out about the higher international call rates until you receive your phone bill.

Minimize the Risk of This Happening to You

*

Check any area codes before returning calls.
*

If you do not otherwise make international calls, ask your local phone company to block outgoing international calls on your line.

Filing a Complaint with the FCC

If you are billed for a call you made as a result of this scam, first try to resolve the matter with your telephone company. If you are unable to resolve it directly, you can file a complaint with the FCC. There is no charge for filing a complaint. You can file your complaint using an FCC on-line complaint form found at esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm. You can also file your complaint with the FCC's Consumer Center by e-mailing fccinfo@fcc.gov; calling 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) voice or 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322) TTY; faxing 1-866-418-0232; or writing to:

Federal Communications Commission
Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau
Consumer Inquiries and Complaints Division
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, D.C. 20554.

That should help.

Please when in doubt of what to do about giving any personal information about yourself over the phone, or answering calls that seem confusing or impossible take steps to check things out before you do something you might regret.